A History of Toronto #23: The Great Fire of 1904

Archival film footage of the Great Fire of 1904 reveals fascinating scenes of early Toronto, the streets, stores and citizens along with turn of the century fire-fighting methods. The fire erased 20 acres of the downtown financial district and caused $10 million dollars of damage. This vignette also features one of the old hose towers that is still in existence in the City along with the evolution of fire-fighting equipment from horse-drawn wagons to today's sophisticated fire engines. For more information visit www.ontopoftheworld.net and check out the category on Toronto 175.

[@Teabone3]

Incredible that nobody was hurt

[@thesteampunkjunction8225]

This is amazing! what a great story

[@fredbeasley7299]

Amazing they were relying on horses to get them there

[@TheiCrew]

Amazing story ❤

[@AnneMartin]

Yes, glad you liked it and did you see the little girl on the bicycle and the boys chasing the fire engines in the horse drawn cart. I love this archival footage which also tells us that some things never change.